Form I-512T (TPS Travel Document), Explained

If you have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and need to travel outside the United States, you must apply for permission from the U.S. government before you leave. That’s where Form I-512T comes in. This guide will break down what Form I-512T is, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect during the process.

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What is Form I-512T?

Form I-512T (Authorization for Travel by an Alien to the United States) is a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for TPS holders. TPS holders use Form I-512T to request authorization to leave and return to the U.S., which preserves their legal status while traveling. To receive Form I-512T, you must file Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) and indicate that you are requesting travel authorization based on Temporary Protected Status.

With an approved I-512T, TPS holders receive a physical travel authorization document — sometimes referred to as an “I-512T travel permit” — which they must present when reentering the U.S. This authorization becomes especially important for travel related to:

• Family emergencies
• Educational programs
• Employment-related reasons
• Humanitarian purposes

Leaving the U.S. without approved travel authorization can result in:

• Denied reentry at a U.S. port of entry
• Loss of TPS status
• Removal (deportation) proceedings

Why Form I-512T Matters

For years, TPS holders faced uncertainty when traveling abroad. Before a policy change on July 1, 2022, TPS beneficiaries relied on Form I-512L (Advance Parole), which allowed reentry but did not always count as a formal or lawful “admission” for green card eligibility.

Now, with Form I-512T, TPS holders who return using this document are considered “inspected and admitted,” an important requirement for adjusting status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder). This change also helps USCIS better track TPS-specific travel.cides to abandon their green card while speaking with them.

Who Is Eligible to Receive Form I-512T?

You may apply to receive Form I-512T if:

• You are a current TPS beneficiary or have a pending TPS application (Form I-821)
• You have a valid reason for travel, such as family emergencies, work, or humanitarian needs
• You are not subject to other grounds of inadmissibility or removal

Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and approval is at the discretion of USCIS.

Form I-512T Cost

There is no fee for Form I-512T. However, there are associated costs with TPS travel authorization, including:

• Form I-131 filing fee (cannot be waived for travel purposes): $630
• Document translation and notary services (if applicable)
• Travel arrangements once approved

Processing Time for I-512T

Form I-512T is sent to an applicant once their Form I-131 is approved. The current average processing time for Form I-131 is 8-15 months, depending on USCIS workloads at your local field office. To check the current estimated time, use USCIS’s Case Processing Times tool.

USCIS delays are common, so it’s a good idea to apply as soon as you know you may need to travel to avoid jeopardizing your legal status.

How to Apply for TPS Travel Authorization

To travel on TPS, follow the steps below:

1. Download and complete Form I-131 from the USCIS website. In Part 2, select Item 1d – “I am applying for an advance parole document” to request travel authorization based on your TPS.
2. Gather all required documents and supporting evidence, including:
   • Proof of TPS status (pending or approved Form I-821)
   • Reason for travel
   • Documentation supporting your need to travel (e.g. medical records, wedding invitations, letters, or proof of emergency)
3. Mail your application to the address listed for your country’s TPS designation on the USCIS website
4. Pay the $630 filing fee for Form I-131 (no fee waivers available for this purpose)
5. Check USCIS’s online case status tool
6. Receive your Form I-512T travel document before traveling

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